GRATITUDE CORNER

Susie Sours

Susie Sours, from Kotzebue, is pursuing her associate degree in applied business – human resources at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), and expects to graduate in 2023. A mother of three and caretaker of her niece and two younger cousins, Susie works and goes to school full-time. She is working hard to complete her degree and graduate the same year as her daughter, Dakota, graduates from high school. 

“The Doyon Foundation scholarships and the support from the donors has been such a blessing and gave me the opportunity to continue my education and make my dreams a reality with becoming a first-generation graduate in my family. I hope my children see the sacrifices I made and will be proud of their mom for graduating from college. Thank you, Doyon Foundation and the many donors, for your continued support for your shareholders and their descendants.”  

Watch next month’s e-newsletter for another student thank you or send your thank you note to scholarships@doyon.com. •

Delivering Goodies and Good Wishes

Our finals week snack delivery for students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) was a true team effort! Our staff in Fairbanks shopped and stuffed bags, while our executive director’s daughter was in charge of preparing snacks for students in Anchorage. An extra special thank you to the donors who helped us exceed our finals week Facebook fundraiser goal! Snack bags and good luck wishes were delivered to UAF Rural Student Services and UAA Native Student Services on December 12 and 13. Thank you to our students and supporters! •

Welcoming Our New Scholarship/Outreach Assistant

We are excited to welcome back Elizabeth Green, who served as our Morris Thompson executive intern in summer 2022, and most recently was hired as our new scholarship/outreach assistant! In her new role, Elizabeth supports and assists the scholarship program by organizing and planning events, presenting, writing, filing, researching and networking. Meet Elizabeth: bit.ly/WelcomeElizabethGreen. •

Don’t Miss Out on DLO in the Classroom Opportunities  

There is still time to apply for opportunities to be involved in our new DLO in the Classroom project. These paid, contract positions include the novice teacher cohort, Native language speakers, language training consultant, and project evaluator. Interested individuals should respond by Friday, December 30. Learn more: bit.ly/DLOintheClassroomRecruitment. •

Enter the “In Your Words Video Challenge”

Learning a language isn’t something you do on your own – it’s about speaking and sharing with others! To get the conversation started, we’re teaming up with our friends at 7000 Languages for the In Your Words Video Challenge. Record and post a short video sharing your favorite word or phrase in one of the Doyon region languages and have a chance to win prizes! Entries will be accepted through Sunday, January 15, 2023. Get all the details: bit.ly/InYourWordsVideoChallenge. •

Mentor-Apprentice Program Gathering

We recently held the second quarterly gathering for our Mentor-Apprentice Program (MAP) teams! The virtual event was the first time everyone has been together since the program started this summer.

During the gathering, mentors and apprentices listened to presentations from Annauk Olin on her experience with MAP and from Dr. LaVerne Xilegg Demientieff on language healing, and engaged in great discussion. Several apprentices also shared their experiences so far with the group.

Even in the virtual space, the energy was exciting, and it was great to hear participants lifting each other up. Teams will continue with their immersion journey and meet again as a group in February.

Learn more about MAP (and access free program resources!): doyonfoundation.com/map. •

Welcoming Tanacross Students

In early December, we joined Doyon, Limited in welcoming a group of students visiting from the Tanacross area. We brought some of our language program goodies, including bandanas, stickers and name tags. Our language revitalization program director, Allan Hayton, taught the youth several sayings in Dihthaad Xt'een Iin Aanděeg' (Tanacross). Find stickers and name tags in Dihthaad Xt'een Iin Aanděeg' and other Doyon region languages: doyonfoundation.com/language/resources. •

Giving Back - Holiday Style

Doyon Foundation relies on the support of our generous donors, sponsors and volunteers. We also enjoy doing our part to give back and support our community! Earlier this month, several Doyon Foundation staff members volunteered at Chatanika Lodge Children’s Christmas with Santa. The event, which started in 1975, featured Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Santa’s elves, and presents for the kids!  •

Foundation Announces Results of Board Election

Doyon Foundation is pleased to announce the results of our recent board of directors election: Orie G. Williams and Craig L. Fleener joined as new members, and incumbents Jennifer Adams and Matthew Calhoun were re-elected to the Foundation board. We extend our deep gratitude to outgoing board members: Sonta Hamilton Roach and Mariah Pitka-Jenkins. Read more: bit.ly/DF2022BoardElection. •